NY Daily News – Gay, lesbian politicians from New York will endorse Hillary Clinton for president

ALBANY — Ten gay and lesbian state and city Democratic elected officials on Tuesday are set to formally endorse Hillary Clinton for president, the Daily News has learned.

Among those backing Clinton are state Sen. Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat and the state’s only openly gay senator, as well as Assembly members Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan), Daniel O’Donnell (D-Manhattan), Harry Bronson (D-Rochester), and Matthew Titone (D-Staten Island).

City Council members James Vacca, who recently came out as gay, Daniel Dromm, Corey Johnson, Rosie Mendez, and Jimmy Van Bramer are also endorsing her.

“Not only has she been a proven leader domestically on issues around women’s rights, LGBT rights and education, she has been a superlative diplomat with a wide range of international experience unlike any other candidate,” said Glick, who was the state Legislature’s first openly gay member.

Hoylman cited Clinton’s record and called it “icing on the cake” that she has the first openly gay campaign manager for a major presidential candidate.

While endorsing Clinton, Titone referenced criticism among some in the gay community that she was slow to embrace issues like same sex marriage.

“I am glad Hillary Clinton has come around on LGBT issues,” he said. “I am supporting her because I believe she will be the most capable in implementing an agenda that benefits all hard working families and the diverse people of our great nation.”

Three groups, the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens, the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, and the Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats are also throwing their support behind the former First Lady-turned U.S. senator from New York-turned secretary of state.

During an appearance in Iowa on Sunday, Clinton, who recently was endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights group, promised to continue expanding the gains made on gay rights under President Obama.